Test Your Neuroscience Know-How

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| By DanaFDN

DanaFDN

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Quizzes Created: 5 | Total Attempts: 56,881

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 20,715 | Updated: Apr 13, 2023

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Are you smarter than a Brain Bee contestant? The following 10 questions were used in high school Brain Bee competitions (live Q&A competitions that test neuroscience knowledge). These competitions can span several rounds, but we’ve decided to start off slow – all the questions are from round one. Can you get to round two? To proceed, you must get seven out of ten questions correct. Good luck!

Questions and Answers

1.

To the closest pound, how heavy is the average adult brain?
- A.
  
  Three pounds
- B.
  
  Two pounds
- C.
  
  One pound
Correct Answer
A. Three pounds

Explanation
The average adult brain weighs about three pounds.

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2.

What does the eye’s lens do to the orientation of the visual image?
- A.
  
  Rotates it right
- B.
  
  Rotates it left
- C.
  
  It turns it upside down
Correct Answer
C. It turns it upside down

Explanation
The eye's lens turns the visual image upside down. When light enters the eye, it passes through the lens which refracts the light and focuses it onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina then sends signals to the brain, which processes the information and interprets it as an upright image. Despite the image being projected onto the retina upside down, our brain automatically corrects it, allowing us to perceive the world in the correct orientation.

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12
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3.

About how many nerve cells are in the human brain?
- A.
  
  1 Billion
- B.
  
  10 Billion
- C.
  
  100 Billion
Correct Answer
C. 100 Billion

Explanation
The human brain contains approximately 100 billion nerve cells. These nerve cells, also known as neurons, are responsible for transmitting information throughout the brain and body. They play a crucial role in various cognitive functions, such as thinking, learning, and memory. The large number of nerve cells in the brain allows for complex processing and communication, enabling us to perform a wide range of tasks and activities.

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10
0
4.

Holding a memory in mind while we think about it is called what type of memory?
- A.
  
  Procedural memory
- B.
  
  Working/short term memory
- C.
  
  Momentary memory
Correct Answer
B. Working/short term memory

Explanation
Working/short term memory refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information in our mind for a short period of time. It is the type of memory that allows us to retain and process information while we are actively thinking about it. This type of memory is crucial for tasks such as problem-solving, decision-making, and comprehension. Unlike long-term memory, which stores information for an extended period, working/short term memory is temporary and can hold only a limited amount of information.

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4
0
5.

During what period of sleep do we dream?
- A.
  
  Stage IV sleep
- B.
  
  NREM sleep
- C.
  
  REM sleep
Correct Answer
C. REM sleep

Explanation
During REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, we experience dreams. This stage of sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and muscle paralysis. REM sleep is crucial for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. It is during this stage that vivid and intense dreams occur, as the brain is highly active and the body is essentially paralyzed to prevent acting out the dream content. Therefore, REM sleep is the correct answer for the period of sleep during which we dream.

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9
0
6.

Name the contact points where one neuron communicates with another.
- A.
  
  Somas
- B.
  
  Synapses
- C.
  
  Axon terminals
Correct Answer
B. Synapses

Explanation
Synapses are the contact points where one neuron communicates with another. They are specialized junctions where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted from one neuron to another. Synapses play a crucial role in the transmission of information within the nervous system, allowing for the integration and processing of signals. They enable the transfer of neurotransmitters, which carry the signals across the synaptic gap. This communication between neurons at synapses is essential for various brain functions, including learning, memory, and coordination of movements.

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6
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7.

What do you call it when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or suddenly becomes clogged?
- A.
  
  Stroke
- B.
  
  Aneurysm
- C.
  
  Aphasia
Correct Answer
A. Stroke

Explanation
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or becomes blocked, leading to a disruption in blood flow to the brain. This can result in damage to brain cells and can cause various symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected. Aneurysm refers to a weakened area in a blood vessel that can bulge and potentially rupture, leading to a stroke. Aphasia, on the other hand, refers to a communication disorder that can occur after a stroke, affecting a person's ability to speak, understand, read, or write.

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9
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8.

What do you call an involuntary, fixed muscle response to a particular stimulus?
- A.
  
  Spasm
- B.
  
  Reflex
- C.
  
  Dystonia
Correct Answer
B. Reflex

Explanation
A reflex is an involuntary, fixed muscle response to a particular stimulus. When a specific stimulus is detected by sensory receptors, a reflex arc is initiated, which bypasses conscious control and triggers an immediate response from the muscles involved. This automatic reaction helps protect the body from potential harm or danger. Spasms, on the other hand, are involuntary muscle contractions that can occur for various reasons, while dystonia refers to a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing repetitive movements or abnormal postures.

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5
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9.

Name the part of the brain that is important for emotional learning and memory and its dysfunction is related to anxiety disorders.
- A.
  
  Amygdala
- B.
  
  Thalamus
- C.
  
  Hippocampus
Correct Answer
A. Amygdala

Explanation
The amygdala is a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in emotional learning and memory. It is responsible for processing and regulating emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. Dysfunction in the amygdala has been linked to anxiety disorders, as it can lead to an overactive fear response and difficulty in regulating emotions. Therefore, the amygdala is the correct answer for this question.

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10.

Name the disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disturbances of thought and emotions.
- A.
  
  Manic-depressive disorder
- B.
  
  Huntington’s chorea
- C.
  
  Schizophrenia
Correct Answer
C. SchizopHrenia

Explanation
Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disturbances of thought and emotions. This condition involves a disruption in the way an individual thinks, feels, and perceives reality. Delusions refer to false beliefs that are not based on reality, while hallucinations involve experiencing sensations that are not actually present. Furthermore, individuals with schizophrenia may also experience disorganized thinking, speech, and behavior. This disorder typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood and can have a significant impact on a person's ability to function in daily life.

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Current Version
Apr 13, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Mar 10, 2011

Quiz Created by
DanaFDN

Test Your Neuroscience Know-how

To the closest pound, how heavy is the average adult brain?

What does the eye’s lens do to the orientation of the visual image?

About how many nerve cells are in the human brain?

Holding a memory in mind while we think about it is called what type of memory?

During what period of sleep do we dream?

Name the contact points where one neuron communicates with another.

What do you call it when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or suddenly becomes clogged?

What do you call an involuntary, fixed muscle response to a particular stimulus?

Name the part of the brain that is important for emotional learning and memory and its dysfunction is related to anxiety disorders.

Name the disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disturbances of thought and emotions.